Java 1.7 generator syntax syntax for generics function

Using the Java 1.7 compiler, it is interesting to note that the syntax adopted for calling common functions is very specific. This forces you to use this

to denote a common function.

For example, for a function defined as:

private <T> Object genericFunction(T t){
    //function code
}

      

        
        
        
      

    

When accessed, the following results in a syntax error:

Object o = <ClassName>genericFunction(ClassName t);

      

        
        
        
      

    

While the following is accepted:

Object o = this.<ClassName>genericFunction(ClassName t);

      

        
        
        
      

    

Why is this so? Shouldn't you take both of them?